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EASTERN TOUR

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Publishing Committee · Battle Creek, Mich. · Jun 4, 1857

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 10, No. 5.

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EASTERN TOUR.

By James White

BRO. SMITH: The good hand of the Lord prospered us over the long road from Michigan to our first appointment in West Winfield, N. Y. It may be said that this was a good meeting; the brethren and sisters seemed to be much encouraged and strengthened in the faith, yet there was nothing of uncommon interest manifested. At the close of this meeting we went to Brookfield, where we found rest, and great peace of mind in the family of Bro. Ira Abbey. We also enjoyed the society of Bro. Rhodes, who in point of health, spirits and confidence in God, has grown much stronger.
Our solemn and settled convictions are that the testimony to the Laodiceans has not been felt and obeyed as it will be by those who walk in the path of present truth. It has been too much of a surface work, the influence of which soon passes from many minds. The Witness in this case is Jesus Christ, and his testimony is true and faithful. The description of our condition is given in faithfulness and truth. In our blindness and stupor we may not realize it to be so; but the Witness has given a true and faithful testimony in our case. God help us to see it, feel it, and obey it.
At Lancaster the Tent was pitched on a retired, green spot. The weather changed suddenly on Sixth-day from cold and wet to warm and sunny. In fact, it seemed to be just right for a meeting in the Tent. The surrounding trees, as if belated, seemed in great haste to spread out their leaves and blossoms. The scattered people of God came together evidently to wait on the Lord, and got their strength renewed. We were happy to meet with brethren with whom we united ten years ago to obey and spread the truth, and with those who had said forgive us for our alienations from the cause, and who repeated the same in tears. From the heart, all is forgiven.
The Spirit of the Lord came down upon us on Sabbath afternoon, and the Lord there plead with his people, as it were, face to face. The testimony given was that the counsel to the Laodiceans had not been fully heeded; that the work had not been deep; but in many cases a surface work. The Tent remains in Lancaster, over next Sabbath and First-day. Three families in Lancaster have embraced the Sabbath this Spring. A few others seem interested. Although the great work is in the West, yet there are some minds in the East on which the truth has influence.
J. W.